Marvel, Lions Gate Announce Multi-Film Partnership
Lions Gate Entertainment and Marvel Enterprises, Inc. have
announced that Lions Gate has been granted licenses to develop, produce, and
distribute theatrical film releases based upon two popular Marvel properties --
Iron Fist and Black Widow.
The new agreements expand the pre-existing relationship between Marvel and Artisan Entertainment, acquired by Lions Gate in December 2003, which allowed Artisan to produce and distribute feature films based upon The Punisher character. Marvel and Lions Gate will share equally in certain revenues derived from the properties, with Lions Gate funding development, production, and distribution. Marvel will handle all merchandising in connection with the films.
The new pact comes as both companies prepare for the highly anticipated theatrical debut of The Punisher, the first release stemming from the original alliance. Starring Thomas Jane, John Travolta, and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, the film will be released nationwide on April 16. Plans for a sequel have already been finalized and development has begun.
"Working with Lions Gate on The Punisher was a great experience and we feel very comfortable expanding this relationship to include two more exciting franchises," said Marvel Studios Chairman and CEO Avi Arad. "We are already starting on The Punisher II, which will become the fifth Marvel property to become a sequel."
"We like to create alliances with companies that have powerful brands, and Marvel has one of the most popular, exciting, and recognized brands in the world," said Lions Gate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer. "We believe that the nationwide launch of The Punisher and access to two more cutting-edge Marvel characters will kick off a long-term relationship between Lions Gate and Marvel that is rich with opportunity across all of our core businesses."
Refer to future editions of Diamond Daily, Diamond Dateline, and Diamond Dialogue for more information on Lions Gate's upcoming Marvel-based films as it becomes available, and see below for a linked in-stock list of available Marvel merchandise.
• Marvel Comics: Click here!
Order Now!
By Phone: 800-45-COMIC
By Fax: 800-329-2878 or 410-560-3875
By E-Mail: Click here!
Reorders Online: Click here!
The new agreements expand the pre-existing relationship between Marvel and Artisan Entertainment, acquired by Lions Gate in December 2003, which allowed Artisan to produce and distribute feature films based upon The Punisher character. Marvel and Lions Gate will share equally in certain revenues derived from the properties, with Lions Gate funding development, production, and distribution. Marvel will handle all merchandising in connection with the films.
The new pact comes as both companies prepare for the highly anticipated theatrical debut of The Punisher, the first release stemming from the original alliance. Starring Thomas Jane, John Travolta, and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, the film will be released nationwide on April 16. Plans for a sequel have already been finalized and development has begun.
"Working with Lions Gate on The Punisher was a great experience and we feel very comfortable expanding this relationship to include two more exciting franchises," said Marvel Studios Chairman and CEO Avi Arad. "We are already starting on The Punisher II, which will become the fifth Marvel property to become a sequel."
"We like to create alliances with companies that have powerful brands, and Marvel has one of the most popular, exciting, and recognized brands in the world," said Lions Gate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer. "We believe that the nationwide launch of The Punisher and access to two more cutting-edge Marvel characters will kick off a long-term relationship between Lions Gate and Marvel that is rich with opportunity across all of our core businesses."
Refer to future editions of Diamond Daily, Diamond Dateline, and Diamond Dialogue for more information on Lions Gate's upcoming Marvel-based films as it becomes available, and see below for a linked in-stock list of available Marvel merchandise.
• Marvel Comics: Click here!
Order Now!
By Phone: 800-45-COMIC
By Fax: 800-329-2878 or 410-560-3875
By E-Mail: Click here!
Reorders Online: Click here!
